KNYSNA NEWS - While in Knysna to hand over a new firefighting vehicle to the Knysna municipality, Marcé Fire Fighting Technology awarded challenge coins to the first responders to the June fires.

Vehicles specialist Francois Steyn presented the coins to firefighters Sidney de Doncker, Charlene Taylor and Gino Prins.

Challenge coins, which originated in the military, have become part of the firefighting tradition. 

Wikipedia states that “traditionally they are given to members of an organisation to prove membership if challenged and are often presented in recognition of special achievement”. 

The coin represents what a firefighter is all about and can help drive the point across to others.

The coin, which bears Marcé’s logo and the year that it was established (1997) on the one side, has the fireman’s prayer on the other, together with a credo of the Brotherhood of Firefighters, namely, that “no one will be left behind”.

The Pretoria company is celebrating its 20th year in existence this year.

From left: Francois Steyn from Marcé Fire Fighting Technology in Pretoria presents coins to firefighters Gino Prins, Charlene Taylor and Sidney de Doncker. Photo: Julie Jefferys

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